Have you heard?

Emmaus House, Albany’s Catholic Worker community, is collecting school supplies and backpacks for 150 children from local families, many of whom are immigrants and refugees. Bring supplies to Emmaus House, 45 Trinity Place, Albany, by Aug. 23. Donations can be left in the large blue bin on the top step; gift cards, cash or checks (payable to Emmaus House) can be deposited in the mail slot. Recently, the Catholic Workers gave 40 backpacks to visitors from South Africa for the children of KwaNdebeqheke village, many of whom attend school thanks to donations from Emmaus House supporters. For more information, call (518) 482-4966....

Catholic Charities’ Tri-County Services runs five school supply programs; new backpacks for elementary- and middle-school-aged children are needed. Drop off donations at the office at 50 Herrick St., Rensselaer, or contact JUSTINE CARROLL at (518) 512-3577, ext. 115, or [email protected] to arrange a pickup of large-quantity donations. Catho­lic Charities also has a wish list on Amazon where donors can purchase backpacks and have them sent directly to the office for children in need. Also, Catholic Charities Tri-County Services is a charity organization for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon Oct. 7; volunteers are sought to be course marshals along the race route in Niskayuna. Contact Ms. Carroll.

There are two golf tournaments coming up to benefit Catholic Charities:
•  Golf for Good, Aug. 20 at Schuyler Meadows Club, benefits Unity House and Catholic Charities; contact Mandy at [email protected] or (518) 274-2607, ext. 4139.
•  The Hilltowns Community Resource Center golf tournament Sept. 27 at Thunderhart Golf Club, benefits the outreach center serving rural Albany County. Contact KEVIN SMITH, [email protected] or (518) 859-7669....

Siena College in Loudonville has rescinded an honorary degree awarded in 2007 to ARCHBISHOP THEODORE MCCARRICK of Washington after recent credible allegations that he sexually abused minors and adults. This is the first time Siena has rescinded any degree....

At All Saints on the Hudson parish in Mechanicville/Stillwater, a parent faith formation focus group met twice and an online survey is being conducted to look at adding special events, trips, more service projects and interactive experiences to the weekly classroom model of faith formation. Kids will also teach and mentor members of their own classes.